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Benefits of group therapy for eating disorders

Group therapy, sometimes called group psychotherapy, is not a specific type of therapy but rather a term to describe a format or modality of treatment where a group of individuals attend sessions together, run by one or more therapists. The specific therapy they receive can span any number of treatment types, including a range of therapeutic orientations and treatment levels.

This method is different from individual therapy, and though therapies have the same goals, group therapy and the benefits of group therapy are likewise distinctive. Discussing similar problems with others can help someone gain perspective, feel less alone, and learn new ways of coping with their problems.

For these reasons and more, many people find group therapy effective for helping them with many aspects of their mental health conditions, including eating disorders like binge eating disorder (BED), anorexia nervosa (AN), and bulimia nervosa (BN).

8
 minutes read
Last updated on 
February 8, 2024
March 4, 2024
Group therapy for eating disorders
In this article

Benefits of group therapy over individual therapy for eating disorders

Group therapy may sound intimidating at first. Opening up to one professional in a private setting is difficult enough for some people, let alone discussing intimate issues around many people at once.

The perspective and scale of group therapy have proven to have many benefits that can equal or surpass what is achieved through individual sessions.1,2

Building a community and support network
Helping with problem-solving
Accountability

Accessibility

With therapy options being in high demand and programs having long waitlists, group therapy becomes a more accessible option. Rather than one therapist treating one client at a time, the same therapist can treat around ten clients, who all receive good benefits from the services. This efficiency of time can aid many people.

Exposure to diverse ideas and people
Feeling accepted and celebrated
Instilling hope and catharsis
Social skills improvement

What are the goals of group therapy for eating disorders? 

The goals of group therapy may vary, depending on the specific type of therapy the group is practicing. Still, universally, group therapies will aim to reduce symptoms of the eating disorder and establish a more desirable physical and emotional well-being. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy groups may have a different approach than skills-based groups, relapse prevention groups, or groups with other focuses. But overall, as with all types of therapy, the idea is for participants to grow, learn, and heal.

In general, group therapy is aimed at helping facilitate this kind of growth and healing within the group setting. Other common goals of group therapy include:2

  • The development of interpersonal and relationship skills
  • The bolstering of new coping skills
  • The promotion of education related to the issue at hand (eating disorders)
  • Behavioral corrections, especially within an interpersonal context

By the time someone finishes a group therapy program, the hope is for them to be able to return to their regular social roles and responsibilities while maintaining their new, healthier attitudes. When people think of the benefits of group therapy, these should all be top of mind.

If you’re unsure who to go to for help, call Within Health. Our caring team of eating disorder experts is here to help and guide you through what remote treatment will look like for you.
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Effectiveness of group therapy vs. individual therapy

One question many people ask about this type of treatment is, "Is group therapy effective?" Some people have difficulty seeing how bringing strangers into a personal and painful situation can improve it. However, the truth is that group therapy often has successful results.

Patients with all manner of mental health conditions frequently report a reduction in symptoms after completing a group therapy program. Group therapy is typically more effective at helping patients gain skills that let them live more easily and comfortably with their condition.2

More research on the specific benefits of group therapy for eating disorders is needed. However, studies have found that these sessions have helped patients reduce binge eating and purging behaviors and also reduce disordered thoughts after treatment.6

Finding help for an eating disorder

Eating disorder behaviors can become dangerous or even deadly, and they don't go away or get better on their own. It’s vital that you get help if you think you (or someone you know) may have an eating disorder.

There are several people you can go to, including your primary care physician, therapist, or eating disorder specialist. 

Help is available

If an in-person treatment program doesn't suit your lifestyle, consider remote options. Within offers partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs all from the comfort of your own home or wherever you are.

Learn more

Disclaimer about "overeating": Within Health hesitatingly uses the word "overeating" because it is the term currently associated with this condition in society, however, we believe it inherently overlooks the various psychological aspects of this condition which are often interconnected with internalized diet culture, and a restrictive mindset about food. For the remainder of this piece, we will therefore be putting "overeating" in quotations to recognize that the diagnosis itself pathologizes behavior that is potentially hardwired and adaptive to a restrictive mindset.

Disclaimer about weight loss drugs: Within does not endorse the use of any weight loss drug or behavior and seeks to provide education on the insidious nature of diet culture. We understand the complex nature of disordered eating and eating disorders and strongly encourage anyone engaging in these behaviors to reach out for help as soon as possible. No statement should be taken as healthcare advice. All healthcare decisions should be made with your individual healthcare provider.

Resources

  1. Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy. (2019, October 31). American Psychological Association. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  2. Malhotra, A., Baker, J. (2022). Group Therapy. Stat Pearls. Retrieved November 17, 2022. 
  3. Grenon, R., Schwartze, D., Hammond, N., Ivanova, I., Mcquaid, N., Proulx, G., & Tasca, G. A. (2017). Group psychotherapy for eating disorders: A meta-analysis. The International Journal of Eating Disorders, 50(9), 997–1013. 
  4. Strand, M., Eng, L., Gammon, D. (2020). Combining online and offline peer support groups in community mental health care settings: a qualitative study of service users’ experiences. International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 14, 39. 
  5. Peteet, J., Witvliet, C., Evans, S. (2022). Accountability as a Key Virtue in Mental Health and Human Flourishing. Philosophy, Psychiatry, & Psychology, 29(1).
  6. Grenon, R., Schwartze, D., Hammond, N., Ivanova, I., Mcquaid, N., Proulx, G., Tasca, G. (2017). Group psychotherapy for eating disorders: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Eating Disorders, 50(9), 997-1013.

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